UPCOMING CHANGES TO PARTNER VISA PROGRAM

The Federal Budget handed down on 6 October 2020 included several measures which would impact the partner visa program.

Visa applicants and Australian permanent resident sponsors may need to demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking an English test and achieving ‘Functional English’.

Alternatively, they have to demonstrate they have made ‘reasonable efforts’ to learn English. A person can show they have made reasonable efforts by completing 500 hours of free English language classes through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

In addition to the English requirement, sponsors (both permanent residents and citizens) will need to be approved before their partner is able to lodge a partner visa application.

These changes to the Partner visa program do not yet have a specific date in which they will come into effect, but they are expected to come into effect in 2021.

If your current visa is expiring or close to expiring and you intend to lodge a partner visa application, we recommend lodging your application sooner rather than later. The separate sponsorship approval may take time and if you do not have the approval, you may not be able to lodge your partner visa application before your visa expires.

We will keep you updated with any developments on these measures.

Have other questions about partner visa requirements? Get in touch with Migration Affairs today.

Have more specific questions about your visa? Get in touch with Migration Affairs today.

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